The Queen presided over the State Opening of Parliament today in a stripped-back version of the ceremony that saw the traditional carriage replaced by a car and the crown and ermine swopped for a blue dress and matching hat.
Although it may have been dress-down Wednesday for the monarch, the ceremony was still replete with bizarre anachronisms which provoked mirth online:
With her husband Prince Philip in hospital suffering from an infection, the Queen was accompanied by son Prince Charles, who looked less than thrilled by the goings-on:
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He wasn't the only one looking a bit glum, with several users pointing out some uncomfortable body language as Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn made small talk on their way to the ceremony.
The Tories have failed to secure a deal guaranteeing DUP support for their government, forcing May to play it safe in her outline for the next parliament. Unsurprisingly, some felt the content of the Queen's Speech was a little thin on the ground:
Others suspected the Queen might be sending a sartorial signal of her disapproval for the government's Brexit-heavy agenda:
As per usual, the best reaction to the Queen's arrival at the Houses of Parliament was to be found in the hallowed chamber itself.
Veteran Labour MP Dennis Skinner is well known for his annual heckling of Black Rod, the messenger who summons MPs into the House of Lords to hear the Queen's Speech.
This year, the Beast of Bolsover's jibe referenced reports that the monarch was irritated that the opening of parliament clashed with her beloved Royal Ascot.
"Get your skates on - first race is at half past two," Skinner called, to laughter from the backbenches.
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